Top 7 Best Chicago Electric Welders Review: The Guide

Best Chicago Electric Welders.

You probably need a performing electric welder with excellent features for your project – the Chicago electric welders are the best for you. 

These electric welders are highly portable and energy-efficient, plus you can use them on multiple outlets. 

However, shopping for the right one is usually quite challenging – considering hundreds of options in the market. 

The guide has all the information on the best six Chicago electric welders. 

The article comprehensively answers all your questions: Is the product worth buying? What are their strengths? Etc. 

Check out the guide for more helpful information about Chicago electric welders.

The Top Three Best Chicago Electric Welders

Product
BUDGET PICK
125 Amp 120 Volt/20 Amp Flux Core Wire Welder
OUR BEST PICK
Chicago Electric Welding Systems 170 Amp MIG/Flux Wire Welder by Chicago Electric Welding Systems
EDITOR'S CHOICE
CHICAGO ELECTRIC 80 Amp Inverter Arc Welder for mild steel, cast iron, stainless steel
125 Amp 120 Volt/20 Amp Flux Core Wire Welder
Chicago Electric Welding Systems 170 Amp MIG/Flux Wire Welder by Chicago Electric Welding Systems
CHICAGO ELECTRIC 80 Amp Inverter Arc Welder for mild steel, cast iron, stainless steel
Duty cycle
90A AC@ 17V, 20%
20% @110 amps
75 amps @ 40%
Input voltage
120V
N/A
120V
Weldable metals
Steel (Mild and low alloy)
Mild/low carbon stainless steel/steel
Cast-iron, mild/stainless steel
Min amp output
60 A
N/A
N/A
Weight
37.5 lbs.
56.70 lbs.
9.92 lbs.
Open circuit voltage
27 V
40 V
54 V
BUDGET PICK
Product
125 Amp 120 Volt/20 Amp Flux Core Wire Welder
125 Amp 120 Volt/20 Amp Flux Core Wire Welder
Duty cycle
90A AC@ 17V, 20%
Input voltage
120V
Weldable metals
Steel (Mild and low alloy)
Min amp output
60 A
Weight
37.5 lbs.
Open circuit voltage
27 V
OUR BEST PICK
Product
Chicago Electric Welding Systems 170 Amp MIG/Flux Wire Welder by Chicago Electric Welding Systems
Chicago Electric Welding Systems 170 Amp MIG/Flux Wire Welder by Chicago Electric Welding Systems
Duty cycle
20% @110 amps
Input voltage
N/A
Weldable metals
Mild/low carbon stainless steel/steel
Min amp output
N/A
Weight
56.70 lbs.
Open circuit voltage
40 V
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Product
CHICAGO ELECTRIC 80 Amp Inverter Arc Welder for mild steel, cast iron, stainless steel
CHICAGO ELECTRIC 80 Amp Inverter Arc Welder for mild steel, cast iron, stainless steel
Duty cycle
75 amps @ 40%
Input voltage
120V
Weldable metals
Cast-iron, mild/stainless steel
Min amp output
N/A
Weight
9.92 lbs.
Open circuit voltage
54 V

Is Chicago Electric Welders Any Good?

Chicago electric welders are among the top in the chart regarding pricing, valuable features, and durability. Chicago electric makes a different range of welding machines at different prices and needs. 

Here is a picture of the Chicago Electric Welder we have tested out:

Chicago Electric Welders

You will find any welder type you want, such as 90 amps, 180 amps, and 170 amps. Other than high-end and durable welders, the company also makes welding accessories. 

Therefore you can pick Chicago electric as your brand for all your welding accessories which are usually well-priced. 

Note that before you commit to buying any product, go through the product reviews on their product page. 

Amazingly, this article has links to some of the best Chicago electric welders. Products reviews will help you choose the right welder or product.

Also you can check out our in depth review on best lincoln welders here.

Top 7 Best Chicago Electric Welders Reviewed In Details

1. Chicago Electric Flux 125 Welder

Chicago Electric Flux 125 Welder

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The welder is suitable for outdoor applications. You can also use it on various metal types and mostly unclean metals. It’s also lightweight, which means you can quickly move with it from place to place.

Highlights
  • Overload protection to prevent overheating
  • Trigger activated gun to prevent accidental arc flash
  • Compact design
  • Perfect welder for outdoor and dirty metals
What’s in the box?
  • Ground clamp with 6ft. long cable
  • Spare contact tips
  • Flux core gun with 6ft. long cable

Specs

Duty cycle  90A AC@ 17V, 20%
Input voltage 120V
Weldable metals  Mild and low alloy steel
Min amp output 60A
Weight 37.5 lbs.
Open circuit voltage 27 V

Outstanding Features 

Portable 

The welder is compact and lightweight at only 37.5 lbs. All these make it highly portable, and you can move with it from one project to the next effortlessly.

Versatile 

You will surely enjoy the welder’s service without the hassle of gas. 

Its design allows it to use self-shielding flux-cored wire – therefore, you won’t need regulators and gas, which are essential in standard MIG welders. Plus, setting up the gasless welder is so easy.

Adequate welding arc

Most inexpensive welding machines usually come with poor arcs. However, the Flux 125 is different and features a stable and decent arc that matches its price. 

The welder easily stacks beads – all you should do is follow the basic welding techniques properly. The arc is ideal for beginner welders trying to learn about welding. 

It enables beginners to quickly adapt to a more stable arc when they shift to better high-end welding machines.

Solid metal casing 

Many welders dislike plastic housings because they aren’t durable and easy to break. The Flux 125 casing is thick metals; the only plastic parts are the handles, buttons, and wire drive. 

However, the entire metal casing also has its downsides. It’s because it adds to its weight, plus it will cause damage to your other equipment. It can also cause injuries if you don’t handle it with care.

Good Value

The welder has its specific market niche, and when you compare its price to that of other welders, it indeed offers a good value. The model beats most welders in its bracket with its unique features at a low price. 

It has some cons similar to other Chicago electric welders, but it’s way cheaper, has a better warranty, and has impressive specs.

Optimal performance

The welder guaranteed you dependable and optimal performance with thermal overload protection and speed wire control. 

Amazingly you get all this in a lightweight and compact package. The primary role of overload protection is to ensure the welder doesn’t overheat.

The welder is ideal for jobs in your home, shop, and yard since it can perfectly weld mild steel.

​Overall the welder is an ideal choice for any welder that needs a unit that offers optimal welder performance. In addition the welder comes with a face cover that protects your eyes from heat that comes from the process. The welder is highly recommended for beginners.
Pros
  • Doesn’t overheat
  • Perfect for beginners
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Creates splatter

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2. Chicago Electric 80 Amp Inverter Arc Welder

Chicago Electric 80 Amp Inverter Arc Welder.

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It’s simple to use and more so when dealing with input power. You won’t need any complicated tools or equipment like additional wires etc.

Highlights
  • Thermal overload protection
  • Anti-stick technology 
  • Specialized inverter to provide more power and versatility
  • Hot start
What’s in the box?
  • 1 Chicago electric 80 amp inverter arc welder
  • Shoulder strap

Specs

Duty cycle  75 amps @ 40%
Max amp output  80 A
Weight  9.92 lbs.
Open circuit voltage 54 V
Weldable metals  Cast iron, mild steel, stainless steel
Input voltage 120V

Outstanding Features 

Power and versatility

The inverter features three specialized functions that ensure you get versatility and power from the unit.

Hot Start

It’s another fantastic feature gaining popularity in different welders. The feature allows you to start the welder and quickly ensures no electrode sticking. 

The feature also helps monitor the unit’s voltage and offers additional current when the welder needs it.

Thermal overload 

The thermal overload protection comes with indicator light. Therefore your welder will be safe, and you also won’t have to worry about other electronics in your home that share the same power source. 

Anti-stick technology 

With the technology, you can easily separate electrodes.

Portable 

The welder is highly portable due to its lightweight of 9.92 lbs. It’s, therefore, the best welder for your small tasks. 

At 80 amps, the Chicago electric welder is ideal for hobbyists. However, the welder can’t work on certain metals like aluminum but perfectly welds mild steel, etc.

Input power 

The welding machine doesn’t need too much input power to operate. Its requirement input power is only 80 amps. Therefore ideal for usage at home since most homes operate at 120 volts. 

It means the welding system will flawlessly operate at your home. Its amperage proves more advantageous considering it is lightweight and highly portable.

The product is not so demanding when it comes to power need and this makes it ideal for home use. Plus being lightweight allows you to move with it from one project to the next.
Pros
  • Gasless operation
  • Energy-efficient welder
  • Highly portable
Cons
  • Not powerful 

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3. Chicago Electric 170 Amp MIG/Flux Cored Welder

Chicago Electric 170 Amp MIGFlux Cored Welder

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The welder has a reputation of being the best for beginners and those who do welding non-commercially. The unit produces a smooth arc and penetration if you use good quality wire and gas.

Highlights
  • Manual wire feed speed control
  • Four output settings
  • MIG/Flux core arc welding
  • Thermal overload protection
What’s in the box?
  • 30-inch long gas hose
  • Hose clamp (2pc)
  • One handheld shaded face shield 
  • One brush hammer
  • Machine handle
  • Tube (2.6 ft.)
  • Two spare tips (0.35, 0.23) 

Specs

Output voltage 22 V
Duty cycle 20% @110 amps
Weight 56.70 lbs.
Weldable metals Stainless steel, mild/low carbon, steel
Max amp output 170 A
Open circuit voltage 40 V

Outstanding Features 

Thermal overload protection

It’s a common and essential feature in most modern welders, and this Chicago welding machine is no exception. Thermal overload protection enhances the welder’s safety level. 

The feature proves to be quite valuable for big welding jobs. It will automatically shut down your welder system when it detects it’s running at a very high temperature. 

It also shuts down the welder when it notices its working beyond its normal duty cycle and capacity.

Flux-core set up

Setting up the welder is hassle-free because it comes with the flux-core arc welding setup. All you’ll need to add is the shielding gas and other essential components for MIG welding.

Non-battery driven 

It’s a fantastic feature but also has its limitations. You will not be able to go remotely with the welder. Amazingly it has a long welding cable (6 ft.) that allows you to move around while using it. 

Therefore you’ll be able to cover a wide working area. It also includes clamps that ensure your connections between the machine and cables are tight.

Different output settings 

With this machine, you need to be sure that you’re using the proper welding settings for the particular job. The Chicago electric welder has different output settings. 

You need to have the correct combination for gas inhalation and output speed if you need perfect control of your welding work, Check out the user manual on information about wire speed control.

The welder’s power requirements need to match power from the supply location. Industrial and household voltages are usually so different. 

Amazingly the Chicago electric welder needs only 170 amps that are well compatible with both 220 V and 120 V, which are industrial and household power needs, respectfully. 

As mentioned the welder is ideal for both beginners and those that wish to do welding for commercial purposes. It comes with some amazing features like beginner friendly, easy to use and many more that makes it a good unit. You can’t go wrong with this welder.
Pros
  • Thermal overload protection
  • Compatible with Arc, MIG welding
  • Easy to use
  • Beginner-friendly

Cons
  • Can’t weld aluminum 

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4. Chicago Electric 240 Spot Welder

Chicago Electric 240 Spot Welder

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The welder only weighs 29.30 lbs. and this makes it highly portable. You can move with it from one project to the other.

Highlights
  • Portable
  • It runs on 240 V
  • Perfect for uncoated mild, stainless sheet, and galvanized steel
  • Air-cooled
What’s in the box?
  • Standard tips
  • 6-inch tongs

Specs

Duty cycle 2.5 kVA @50%
Weldable metals Uncoated mild, stainless sheet, and galvanized steel
Max amps 10.4
AC volts  240
Weight  29.30 lbs.

Air-cooled 

You won’t have worries about overheating your unit. The air cooler uses ambient air plus shielding gas to remove any excess heat from your welder. Therefore it will be able to run smoothly and perform tasks efficiently.

Standard 240 volt power 

The volts make the welder quite powerful. Therefore the welder makes quick and strong spot welds. Amazingly it can weld various cast iron, steel, stainless sheet, and many more.

The welder machine is quite lightweight and easily portable. Plus you can surely use the welder while holding it in your hands. However, the welder tends to overhead after continuous usage. Always let it cool for some ten minutes before you continue using it.
Pros
  • Air-cooled
  • Lightweight
  • Portable

Cons
  • I can’t weld for too long 

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5. Chicago Electric 225 Amp-AC 240V Stick Welder

Chicago Electric 225 Amp-AC 240V Stick Welder

You can get this one from Ebay

The welder is quite exceptional, and starting an arc with it is so easy. You will experience less arc blow and undoubtedly offer you solid and durable welds. 

Welders love it because it comes with fewer details that make its performance better than other stick welders.

Highlights
  • Perfect for shielded metal arc welding
  • Constant current
  • welding cable 
  • Electrode holder (multi-angle)
  • A cooling fan
  • Thermal overload protection 
What’s in the box?

Specs

Duty cycle 20% @ 225 amps 
Max amp output 225 – 270 amps AC
Open circuit voltage 48
Weight 76.35 lbs.
Min amp output 60
Weldable metals Steel/cast iron
Input voltage 240

Welder’s design is for shielded metal arc welding. Plus, the welder is quite powerful and generates a great arc of up to 225 amps – the arc ensures you have a strong weld, etc. 

The design comes with two-way handles; therefore, you can carry it from place to place. The welder also has a six-foot welding cable that allows you to move in the welding space, freely offering convenience. 

The welding cable has a multi-angle electrode that offers flexibility on any job type. It also features a thermal overload protection that ensures the machine doesn’t overheat during the welding process. 

If the feature detects high temperatures, it automatically shuts down the unit. The cooling fan ensures the fan heat is under control at all times; therefore, you won’t have to worry about overheating as you work.

The results you’ll get from this welding machine will surely impress you. You need to know that the welder can easily handle thick steel and has capabilities that are better than from most basic welders. Even beginners usually find the welder as being almost effortless to do their projects with.
Pros
  • Cooling fan
  • Thermal overload protection
  • Portable – two way handles
  • Powerful
Cons
  • Requires constant cleaning

You can get this one from Ebay

6. Chicago Electric 120 V Spot Welder

Chicago Electric 120 V Spot Welder

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Highlights
  • Air-cooled
  • Compact design
  • Perfect for uncoated mild, stainless sheet, and galvanized steel
What’s in the box?
  • 6-inch tongs
  • Standard tips

Specs

Duty cycle 1.5 kVA @ 50%
Amps  13.5
Weldable metals Uncoated stainless sheet, mild and galvanized steel
Weight 29.50 lbs.
AC volts 120V

The welder is compact and lightweight at only 24.70 lbs. These features make it easily portable. You can hold it while doing your work, plus it makes it ideal for welders that work on sites in different cities and towns. 

The welder is also quite powerful and will quickly weld with solid spots. The weld will also look clean, and your clients will surely love them. The welder is ideal for hobbyists who intend to do small jobs at home.

After purchasing it, you’ll need to disassemble it to verify the parts. You’ll need to clean high current junctions when you start using it. 

It’s because even the most minor resistances reduce the amount of current that reaches the tips. The welder is known to work perfectly on sheet metal. 

The lightweight, compact and portable welder has an amazing voltage of 120 volts which is quite enough for various welding projects. Its power source is corded and electric and therefore limits you to working on sites that only have electricity. Overall it’s an amazing welder for hobbyists and beginners since it’s easy to use and install.
Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Portable
  • Ideal for beginners

Cons
  • Not so powerful 

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7. Chicago Electric 70 Amp Arc Welder

Chicago Electric 70 Amp Arc Welder.

You can get this one from Ebay

A welder is a fantastic unit from Chicago Electric welders. It’s less compact, less pricey, and ideal for beginners. The design of the welder is solely for welders that want to begin light welding.

Highlights
  • Thermal overload protector
  • Easy current regulator 
  • Can run on household 120 V situation
  • Has top mount handle
What’s in the box?
  • One Chicago electric arc welder

Specs

Duty cycle 70 amp @ 20%
Amps  20
Weldable metals Uncoated stainless sheet, mild and galvanized steel
Weight 29 lbs.
AC volts 120 

Outstanding Features 

Single-phase

Being single phase means the welder can only run on 120 V power. Therefore it cannot be ideal for use commercially.

It will be the ideal welder for any person who needs a welder for household use, such as a garage, etc.

Output 

At 120 V, the amp output of the welder will be 20 amps; too many welders, this is quite mediocre. However, considering the welder’s price and size, it’s undoubtedly okay. 

The welder’s load will deviate from 40 – 70 amps if you change the welder’s load. The amperage of 7o will offer you a 20% duty cycle which is decent.

Strapless current regulator 

The feature makes it easy to regulate the system’s current (40-70 amp). The welding machine is fantastic and super comfy for any beginner welder. The strapless current regulator makes it even better.

Top mount handle 

The welder cannot do more than one welder job. It can only perform arc welding. A top-mount handle makes it easy to handle during the welding process. 

You can carry it during the welding project. Plus, you won’t put in much effort since the welder only weighs 29 pounds.

You are surely wondering what this Chicago model is doing on the list. It’s simply one of the best models for entirely new welders. Usually beginners don’t need fancy welders or those that offer a lot of power. Therefore this low amp and lightweight model that’s equally affordable will serve beginners well.

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Thermal overload protection
  • Top mount handle
  • Lightweight, compact and portable

Cons
  • Can’t perform heavy welding chores

You can get this one from Ebay

Also you can check out our in depth review on best titanium welder here. 

Complete Buyer Guide 

Picking the best Chicago electric welder can be pretty tricky. There are certain factors you need to consider when choosing these welders. 

The most crucial factor to consider is the type of metals you’ll be dealing with, plus the welding intensity. Here are some of the critical factors you need to keep in mind. 

1. Convenience 

Overall, today most welders are portable. Therefore you need to factor out the portability of the welder before purchasing it. It’s because you might need to use it outside at times. 

If the welder is mobile, it will be easier to use it from different occasions and places. 

The construction of the welder directly affects its weight and portability. Welder with metallic cases tends to be heavier than those with plastic.

2. Duty period 

The duty cycle is simply the time to continuously weld before leaving the machine to cool. Usually, the typical duty cycle of most welders is approximately ten minutes. 

Note that the more the duty cycle, the more effectively the welder performs tasks. Plus, you won’t experience overheating issues. 

If you intend to use the welder only for household projects or hobbies, you should purchase one that has a reduced duty cycle. 

Industrial applications need a welder that has an excellent duty cycle. A welder with a reduced duty cycle will have you pausing after every two minutes of work.

3. Voltage and amperage input

You must have a good understanding of the input power the welder takes before purchasing it. The amperage range is vital since it determines what the unit can and cannot weld. 

Many powerful welders out here can perfectly fuse various weldable materials. You will need a welder with a great amperage range if you intend to connect multiple gauge parts. 

Always pick a welder with 20 – 50 amps of current rating than the needed requirements. According to professional welders, welding at a more excellent amperage range is better than a slight cold. 

The other important feature you need to consider before picking the welder is its voltage. The voltage is your electrical supply capacity, which undoubtedly affects your choice of the welder. 

Welders are usually available in different ranges; there’s the 110/120 V or 220/240V. All these are known as single-phase, but they’ll need a three-phase input (240 V) to operate. 

The three-phase welders are perfect for industrial use, and single-phase are ideal for home use. The higher the power input, the better outputs from the unit. 

Lastly, you should not need to connect a welder with more power demand to a standard circuit, like homes. Such welders need a unique power supply.

4. Durability and Quality

Ensure that any arc welder you buy has a longer life. The welders are usually high cost, and purchasing them every time isn’t a great idea. 

You should check and ascertain whether the welder’s build materials are durable and acceptable quality. 

There are welders with casings that are entirely steel, while others have full metal like steel alloy, medium carbon steel, and carbon steel.

5. Price 

Welders are usually quite costly. However, you can get a good budget welder for under $200. The welder will offer you excellent results and is also durable. 

With time, you can upgrade your welder to a more powerful and adaptable one. That’s if your budget allows.

6. Extra Functionalities 

The welders usually have extra functionality that makes them more effective and efficient. For example, plasma cutters are usually in stick arc welders. 

It’s one of the extra functionalities the welders love. There are many other features, and they include supporting various welding techniques like flux-core, MIG, and TIG welding

Therefore you will be able to use one welder for different purposes. Plus, switching between the various functions is easy, and you will get this unit at a very affordable price.

7. Additional security features 

It would be best if you chose a safe welder – this way, and you’ll be able to benefit from the unit entirely. If the welder area you intend to use is prone to security issues, you should choose one with essential safety elements.

Plus, you should not that stick welders usually heat during the welding process. Pick a welder that has features that prevent overheating. 

Many welders have features that increase security, such as overheating, overvoltage, overload, anti-stick, and thermal overload protection. If you choose a welder with these exclusive features, consider it safe. 

The thermal overload feature is the most common in welding units, and it immediately shuts down the machine when it becomes scorching due to welding for long hours. It won’t restart after shutting the welder down, and it won’t continue until its engine is adequately cooled.

8. Warranty

The warranty is an essential factor to consider when buying a welding machine. Typically, even the most budget welders need to have a warranty of at least one year. 

Any warranty below one year is substandard. Thankfully most Chicago freight welders come with excellent warranties. You should note that the warranty coverage usually increases with the unit’s price. 

The high-end units usually have better warranties than low-priced or affordable units. Therefore it’s advisable to go for machines with good warranties, which means spending more. 

However, a better warranty also means you get a great welder with more amazing features.

9. User-friendly

The welder you pick should not be hard to operate. You should check if it has some essential features that make a unit user-friendly. It should have a digital display screen that will help you check the situation of the wire feed speed. 

The digital display screen isn’t necessary, but you should consider it because even the most inexpensive welders have it. The primary digital readout is perfect for beginners. 

They will know how amperage output affects the arc, bead, and penetration on different metal thicknesses. 

If you don’t know the specific amperage your settings offer, it’ll force you always to use and stick to the settings chart. It will surely make it hard for you to develop your welding skills.

10. Versatility

Today almost all manufacturers make versatile welders. You will quickly come across a Chicago electric welder that can easily weld different metals. 

You should also check out whether the welder can perform different types of welds. Some welders can perform stick, MIG, and TIG welds in a single device. 

Any welder with extra versatility will offer you more options and possibilities when dealing with different projects.

Also you can check out our in depth review on best klutch welders here.

Uses of Different Types of Chicago Electric Welders 

MIG welding 

According to professionals, this type of welding is the best for beginners. It’s because MIG welding is easy to learn. 

Electric MIG welders are perfect for thin metal, plus they are easy to convert to high welding speeds. If you think of replacing flux-core welding, you should consider MIG welding.

Fluxed-cored welding

Fluxed-cored welding is known to have better rates for metal deposition. Most welders use it when working on materials or metals that are dirty and rusty. 

You will also get excellent results when using it on exceptionally thick materials.

TIG welding

Professionals highly use TIG welding because it produces high-quality and precise work. TIG welders usually feature foot control to change heat quantity. 

You can also make aesthetic weld beads with this type of weld.

Stick welding

It’s as impressive as flux-core welding for dirty and rusty materials. It’s ideal when dealing with thicker materials.

Conclusion 

It is the right article to look for the best Chicago electric welder. 

It lists the best Chicago electric welders with great portability, energy efficiency, versatility, and more. 

A complete buying guide also offers you the most comprehensive information about factors you need to consider when choosing a generator. 

If you’ve read the whole guide, then choosing the right Chicago electric welder will be so straightforward.

you can check out our in depth review on best Welding Helmet Lights here.

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